SonReal: 1000 Highways
The platinum-selling BC hip-hop artist adds a soulful folk-pop tinge to this charming homage to the love of his life. A sweet treat.
By Kerry Doole
SonReal - "1,000 Highways" (Black Box): On May 10, this platinum-selling BC hip-hop artist releases a new album, the Aaron LP. The title refers to his real name, Aaron Hoffman, and word is he digs deep and truthfully on the new record.
This is certainly the case on "1,000 Highways," the advance single that serves as a tender ode to the love of his life. "I'll be here for you," he declares in a show of commitment rare in a genre which often disses fidelity in favour of promiscuity as a lyrical norm. The message is conveyed by melodically mixing acoustic folk and hip-hop elements with string embellishments.
The press bio suggests that the upcoming album will be stylistically diverse. “I am overwhelmingly excited to announce my second studio album,” shares SonReal. “I poured my blood, sweat, and tears into this body of work with people I love, admire and trust. I am losing my mind.”
The album was co-produced in LA by Trevor Muzzy, and Jessie Reyez features on one of the ten tracks, “Healing.”
SonReal's full-length debut, 2017's One Long Dream, elicited praise, and earlier tracks have racked up serious numbers. “Can I Get A Witness” is certified platinum, and his 2014 breakthrough, “Everywhere We Go,” featured a charming video that has grabbed over 22M views.
Total audio streams of his songs are now over 100M, and SonReal has six Juno nominations to his credit.
He has developed an audience outside Canada too, and his 2019 touring will cover seven countries. Nine Canadian dates begin at Commonwealth in Calgary, on May 22. Itinerary here
Links
Publicity: Charlotte Thompson, Red Umbrella P.R.
Aya NakamuraMarion Gomez/Billboard France